Frequently Asked Questions
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THIS AWARD?
The Award is given to two graduating students, and to a citizen (non-student).
Eligibility to receive the 2024 award is limited to students who have graduated with a baccalaureate degree in August 2023, December 2023, or who will graduate in May 2024. The citizen must have some University connection as an employee, alumnus/alumna, or friend. The citizen does not have to be a UK graduate.
WHAT KIND OF PERSON RECEIVES THE AWARD?
The guidelines state that "in the selection of the recipients nothing shall be considered except the possession of such characteristics of heart, mind, and conduct as evince a spirit of love for helpfulness to other men and women." This is a humanitarian award meant to recognize those who have selflessly given to others or served others in some way.
Recipients have included the well-known philanthropist E. O. Robinson, Courier-Journal publisher and philanthropist Barry Bingham, Nobel laureate William Lipscomb, Jr., and Vice President of the United States Alben Barkley, as well as those whose service was almost anonymous. Among the latter are Patrick Smith, who built homes for the poor on three continents; Earl Ogata, who devoted years to serving Lexington’s poor and homeless, led Spanish and Japanese churches, and provided a home to international students through the International Fellowship Program; Elizabeth Rebmann, who worked tirelessly in Iraq and Afghanistan to improve the lives of people there; and Josh Nadzam, who volunteered extensively with the Catholic Action Center, Kentucky Refugee Ministries, Ronald McDonald House, God’s Pantry, the Hope Center, and headed the campus “Soles for Soles” shoe drive. These individuals gave their time and energy to improve the lives of others.
HOW ARE THE RECIPIENTS RECOGNIZED?
Recipients are recognized and given a Sullivan Medallion trophy. A narrative about each recipient’s accomplishments is read at the ceremony.
This award is considered to be one of the University’s most prestigious.
HOW DO I NOMINATE SOMEONE?
Begin the nomination process by sending a letter of nomination to Dr. Ford Stanley, chair of the Sullivan Committee, at ford.stanley@uky.edu. Letters should be 1 to 2 pages in length, and should describe how the nominee meets the criteria set forth for the Award. (One letter only please, although it can be signed by more than one nominator).